Veterinary Professionals Positioned at the Forefront of Global Sustainability and Climate Change
In a recent keynote address at the joint SNGTV and European Buiatrics Congress in Nantes, France, David Black, Managing Director of VetSalus, and Director of Vet Sustain underscored the pivotal role that veterinary professionals have in tackling climate change and driving sustainable change.
Vet Sustain
David’s keynote, entitled ‘Climate Change and Sustainability – the Role of the Practitioner: An Opportunity and a Responsibility’, emphasised that the veterinary profession, operating at the unique intersection of animal, human, and environmental health, holds a remarkable opportunity and responsibility to lead the transition toward sustainable, regenerative, and climate-resilient food systems.
The keynote highlighted that significant and interconnected environmental threats, including biodiversity collapse, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), present a profound opportunity for the veterinary profession. With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050 and a rising demand for animal products, the role of vets has never been more critical. David showcased the Vet Sustain ‘6Ws of Veterinary Sustainability’ which provide a roadmap for embedding sustainability across six key areas: Warming, Waste, Welfare, Wellbeing, Wildlife, and Water. Furthermore, he highlighted the work of VetSalus, an international network demonstrating a global commitment to promoting One Health solutions, resilient food systems, and better outcomes for people, animals, and the planet.
David outlined a number of key areas where veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to make an impact including:
• Leading the transition towards sustainable food systems: Vets are crucial in guiding practices that are regenerative and climate-resilient.
• Mitigating environmental impact through daily operations: Even small changes within veterinary practices, such as switching to green energy, reducing single-use plastics, or optimising medicine use, can have profound ripple effects without compromising animal welfare or clinical excellence.
• Championing sustainability through influence: Vets hold influential positions in society and are trusted by their clients and communities, enabling them to champion sustainability through advocacy, education, and leadership.
• Addressing specific challenges: This includes crucial work in antimicrobial stewardship, supporting regenerative farming, and adapting animal health systems in response to climate change.
David advocated that sustainability is not an add-on but is central to the veterinary profession. While many colleagues are eager to act, there is a recognised need for more knowledge and tools. Collaboration, shared learning, and the resources offered by organisations like Vet Sustain and VetSalus are essential to empower, inform, and support vets in scaling their impact. The call to action is clear: for vets to embrace this responsibility and collectively rise to the challenge, creating a better, more sustainable future.